Recent Thoughts

First I'd like to give a shout out to Mother Nature. What the HECK is this about today?? I believe that someone (perhaps Father Winter) has provided you with the wrong calendar and is playing a belated April's Fool prank upon you! Or perhaps the jokes on us? Either way I am NOT amused! Bring on the sunshine and spring weather!!!

Recent Happenings:
This past week my sister Lisa had yet another Doctor visit concerning her ongoing back pain. She finally had enough and demanded they do an MRI rather then just keep giving her drugs and telling her to do her PT exercises. It turns out she was right and she has a herniated disk. She goes Tuesday to the orthopods for followup and to see if surgery is necessary. I'll keep you updated on what she finds out.

Chase had his 3rd quarter conferences last Tuesday and proudly we report he reached his AR goal as well as had much improvement in getting some of his non preferred behaviors under control. His teacher and he have come to an agreement on a system that is largely discouraging his desire to wander in class when bored and to talk back! SUCCESS! Props to his teacher! I'm quite pleased with his progress thus far. Now if I didn't have to micromanage his AR I would be much more impressed. I can hope!

Last night Mi & I watched 2 new Netflix dvd's. Slumdog Millionaire was brilliant and moving though brutal! Quantum of Solace is great for action but lacked depth in it's storyline development. Mi's initial comment, and I quote, 'Worst Bond Intro EVER'. Not a good start. But overall if you like action and don't have anything else to watch I think it kills an otherwise boring Friday night.

Today I am uber annoyed by the fact that we've still not heard a peep from Chase's little league coach on what team etc he's to play on! Considering their website said we'd be contacted the week of 3/30 and equipment pickup is tomorrow night I am not feeling confident this is a good way to start the season. Luckily I got the home number of one of the heads of MLL and he said call him tonight if I still don't hear from his coach and he'll give me the info I need. It's a good thing I randomly checked their website or I'd have had NO idea and I do NOT like planning things like that last minute. Especially when I get off work at 5pm and that's the time I'm to be in town to do the pick up?! Yikes! Coaches Please think of those parents that aren't able to scramble as I will do and be more organized!

Last weekend we successfully assisted my BFF Tari in purchasing a front load washer/dryer set. Not that it was any of our money we were spending but I do think that based on Tari's history of becoming overwhelmed easily when making larger purchases that we helped her stay less anxious. She made a great decision and I think this is really going to help her save in the long run on not only money but stress which is a huge part of her life right now. I feel blessed she values our talents to gather information and make grounded frugal choices.

2 final notes unrelated. Madonna being denied adoption for another Malawi child and Gayle King on XM radio grousing that it was based on her fame and recent unflattering publicity! PUUUUHLEASE!
GK could you come down from your new ivory tower NY apartment and smell the reality? Not to mention if you are going to report the new and now news, happenings you need to get your facts straight FIRST before spewing your opinions! Madonna was denied because of failing to adhere to the 18 month living in Malawi prior to the adoption rule! NOT on her behavior. See the following link for complete details and after thoughts from the presiding judge below.
CNN on Madonna Adoption

It doesn't seem to me like an unfair ruling when you are reminded that non celebrity/famous people have to follow the same rules! AND many normal working stiffs don't have the kinds of resources required to put down residence for 18 months in the country that the adopted children were born in. But surly Madonna, if she were looking to seriously make a change in this little girls life, she could buy a house and follow the law! She can work from anywhere and though she has other children who need schooling she could help them understand that making this sacrifice is for the greater good of their entire family! Hell she can even hire a nanny as well as tutors so her kids would still have the education I'm sure she wants for them. PLUS not ask for special favors just because she's no longer a mere mortal!
And if she were indeed DEVOTED to this child and her mission why couldn't she throw all her own desires out the window and show her supposed selfless side by REALLY spending that time in Malawi attempting to make life better for ALL the orphans? Like building schools, medical facilities, jobs, etc? I do NOT see why anyone would not be able to make those sacrifices if they truly felt compelled to make a difference in the world and not just in name only. AND had the means to do it! Look at the big picture GK & Madonna please! Walk the walk don't just talk the talk even IF you have a talk show as your profession. THAT is what is on my mind. What's on yours?
L